Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) – The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) stated that residents in the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) border region in Skouw, Jayapura City, Papua Province, are enjoying a boost in economy during the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.”After the reopening of entrances connecting the two countries (in October 2022), the local economy had begun to see a revival,” BNPP’s Head of the Skouw cross-border post (PLBN), B. Mathilda Pusung, stated via a phone call in Jayapura on Friday.
She echoed the government’s commitment to paying attention to border regions to boost the economy of local residents.
“On the 78th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day, we hope to be able to make border regions the center for development of the local residents’ economy and welfare in accordance with the instruction of Mr Home Affairs Minister (as head of BNPP),” she affirmed.
Pusung noted that the Skouw PLBN does not function merely as the administrative agency for the passage of people and goods but also plays its role as a medium for collaboration between the central government, Papua Provincial Government, and Jayapura Municipal Government.
The collaboration is expected to help local residents to boost their economy, she stated.
“With the burning spirit of nationalism, PLBN is present to further solidify the pride and dignity of the people living in the border region. We aim to help our nation establish and maintain good relations with our neighbors (in PNG),” she remarked.
Pusung then expressed hope that the installation of power poles and development of electricity networks connecting Jayapura City with PNG’s Wutung Village would soon be completed, so both regions would be able to resume the usual three days operational per week for markets.
“On account of electricity limitations, the PNG Government reduced the market operational days to only two days, which, in turn, led to a decline in the revenues of merchants at the markets,” she elaborated.
Source: Antara News Agency